Salvation Army – Denmark Hill
In 2023, The Salvation Army UK and Ireland moved to a newly constructed headquarters in Denmark Hill. Located at 1 Champion Park, the new office is built next door to the Grade II-listed William Booth College, the historic training centre for officers, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in 1929.
The Salvation Army wanted a high-quality, long-lasting building that was fitting toits practical values of ‘soup, soap and salvation’. TateHindle Architects were invited to respond to the brief appropriately, to design with humility, while complementing its distinguished neighbour.
Mirroring but modernising the design language of the Gilbert Scott original, the building’s central focus is a large atrium, which acts as both ‘stage’ and ‘shop front’ and can be viewed by the balconies on each floor. Multi-functional spaces and a café surround the atrium to form a welcoming hub for staff, volunteers, and the community.
Whilst creating visual connection between almost all areas, the clever use of materials and furniture still allow for private settings for sensitive conversations.
‘Designed to last 100 years,’ the project required furniture that was carefully chosen to stand the test of time, as well as enhance the well being of its users and encourage communication.
Recognising that modern working environments allow for changes in posture, all Senator and Torasen desks were specified to be height adjustable, and in meeting rooms, tables featuring soft angles were chosen so that everyone can be seen. Allermuir Silta tables prompt collaborative perch or standing meetings, with or without high stools.
High backed sofas and chairs, such as Haven and Tarry by Allermuir provide acoustic benefits as well as a degree of visual privacy, without interrupting flow. The inclusion of Haven Pods and CellPods create a ‘space within a space’.
Andrew Justice, Senior Property Project Manager for The Salvation Army said,
“This project was a beautiful meeting of hearts and minds, to create an environment that invites community and connection, for employees, volunteers, and visitors alike. We have a responsibility to the charity to make considered choices, which like The Salvation Army, stand the test of time. We seek to work with companies who share our values of care and integrity such as The Senator Group, who provided a thoughtful and smooth service from start to finish.”
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